Siltarp 2 suitable for spike camp?

[325]

I will be doing a northern elk/moose hunt this coming fall. I will be using my Kifaru Tipi as a base camp, but will be spiking out for part of the trip. I want to keep my weight as light as possible, but don't like the idea of spending several nights in the confines of my bivy sack, nor do I want to spend big $$ on a new tent, if possible. As such, I have been looking at the Siltarp 2 as an option. For those who have used them, would the tarp be suitable for a multi-night shelter in mid September below the tree line? Thanks!

[albravo2]

Funny, I was just about to start a similar thread for our elk hunt this fall.

I like the idea of a tarp for simplicity and also because I like sleeping outside. We had something sniffing and snorting around our tent one night last year and it would have been cool to see what it was but by the time I got out of my bag and unzipped the tent it would have been long gone.

We all have good sleeping bags. The downsides I see are bugs (if there are still any around) and the lack of a ground sheet. It was hard to find a couple square meters not covered in elk crap so I wouldn't mind a bit of a barrier between me and the fecal matter.

[shallowH2O]

I use the siltarp 3 for two guys and it works well

[shallowH2O]

Funny, I was just about to start a similar thread for our elk hunt this fall.

I like the idea of a tarp for simplicity and also because I like sleeping outside. We had something sniffing and snorting around our tent one night last year and it would have been cool to see what it was but by the time I got out of my bag and unzipped the tent it would have been long gone.

We all have good sleeping bags. The downsides I see are bugs (if there are still any around) and the lack of a ground sheet. It was hard to find a couple square meters not covered in elk crap so I wouldn't mind a bit of a barrier between me and the fecal matter.

pack a few garbage bags and cut open, make great ground sheets and are light and cheep

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Have used the II for bivying out for two guys. It's a tad tight if you get weather blowing in from one side.
As mentioned above, the bugs can get to you. Don't forget the head-nets.
Thought I had a picture uploaded but can't find it right now.

SSS

[325]

Have used the II for bivying out for two guys. It's a tad tight if you get weather blowing in from one side.
As mentioned above, the bugs can get to you. Don't forget the head-nets.
Thought I had a picture uploaded but can't find it right now.

SSS

I would imagine there would be few insects mid September?? Sheep hunting in September I've never noticed insects at night, but of course that's at a higher elevation.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

I would imagine there would be few insects mid September?? Sheep hunting in September I've never noticed insects at night, but of course that's at a higher elevation.

I don't have much experience with backpack hunts in September so can't offer any firsthand knowledge. I would imagine mid-sept shouldn't be too bad for bugs.

[weed782]

Will work in a pinch for sure. As mentioned bugs can be an issue. Rain and heavy condensation will cause it to sag a fair bit so set up initially with ample head height and tight tie downs. We used garbage bags as well for ground sheet. Worked fine.

[boxhitch]

An 8x8 of 2 or 3 mil poly makes a better floor and has other uses. Available as painters drop sheets
Nights are cooler in Sept and bugs tend to go down , but any sun brings them out again.

[RiverOtter]

Another vote for the industrial garbage bags. I've tucked the bottom half of my sleeping bag into a garbage bag before as sort of a half bivy, or to help fend stray rain drops that might blow in under the corner of a tarp. The second garbage bag gets split along the seam to make a wide ground sheet.

I currently own/use a Siltarp 1, but am seriously considering upgrading to the 2 for this season.
As an aside, the MSR cord tensioner kit works slick for quick set up and tensioning.

[RiverRunner]

a couple of square meters of Tyvec works great for a ground sheet too….. very light

[Ambush]

I carry a Siltarp 2 when back packing, even when I have a tent. The tarp is always in my day pack and since I use trekking poles, I can pitch a secure shelter or tent in just a few minutes. Sure is nice in the mountains when one of those sudden snow or rain storms rolls in. And if you can't or don't want to make it back to camp, it's nice to know you can spend the night in reasonable comfort. I also have a Sil Poncho that is great for day hunts where you might find yourself spiking out till morning.

Google "8X10 tarp pitch". The single pole pitch is the simplest and can be made very weather and wind proof. Or put the low end toward the wind and leave the front more open and you can glass right from your sleeping bag until dark. Just like falling asleep watching your favourite movie! :-D

[Andrewh]

I second the Tyvek, just get the flexible stuff - not the stuff that is wrapped on houses.

waterproof, lighter than a roll to TP and resists ripping/snags unlike garbage bags.

[Redubnik]

diddo to ambushes post, I have used the siltarp 2 on several 5-7 night backpack hunting trips and do not bother with a tent. There are numerous ways to set it up and if it is just you and the mesquitoes are nasty you can seal it up pretty well by having your pole in the center loop where your entrance is and bring the corners together at the base of your pole and use your boot or a rock if it's windy to hold them down and voila, your golden.
I also like using the loop that is placed in the center of the tarp. I tie my string to it and throw the string over a tree branch and pull it up to an acceptabe hight. Usually I peg a couple of the corners first so I know how high to raise my roof so to speak.
I also have a silwing which I got down on broadway by mec (sorry, can't remember the name of the store off hand, but 1 store to the east of mec) and I now carry that as well. It has a unique shape that really works well as a tent and then I use my siltarp 2 as a secondary cover for cooking etc...

[cambo]

I really like the look and simplicity of these. http://hennessyhammock.com/catalog/#hammock

[BlacktailStalker]

Wrap a section of 6mm poly (vapour barrier) around it for your ground sheet. Will last your WHOLE trip and doubles as make-shift bags, water carry sac/catcher when it rains (while you sit out the storm under your sil tarp, then flip the poly over to sleep on after you refil your water containers) rain cover etc etc.
With a bit of ingenuity a guy could even make some into a bivy sac with duct tape at home to further waterproof your bag as an option or just use it flat as a ground sheet

[srupp]

Have a siltarp...however also have the sildome....highly recomend it for what you are contemplating...spent more than a few comfortable, dry nights away from base camp..siltarp mearly kept my gear dry while the sildome kept me warm, dry and comfortable..

Cheers
Srupp

[swampthing]

I whipped up this tarp camp at last light. Took an elk and wolf from this location. End of august, no bugs at night.
http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy342/eberlestock/bobspictures115_zpsc4fbede4.jpg (http://s806.photobucket.com/user/eberlestock/media/bobspictures115_zpsc4fbede4.jpg.html)
http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy342/eberlestock/bobspictures107_zpsc981d416.jpg (http://s806.photobucket.com/user/eberlestock/media/bobspictures107_zpsc981d416.jpg.html)

[DGuest]

What size tarp did you use for this setup?

[Fred1]

Ah yes! the Chateau de Prestige!! I love those camps!!

[Stone Sheep Steve]

I did find a pic that had been previously uploaded. Fairly cozy on a warm summer's night.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Siltarp_II_002.jpg

[bc sportsman]

Ever consider the Hennessey Hammocks? http://hennessyhammock.com/articles/fishing_and_hunting/ They come with bug screens as optional eqmt. They can also be set up on the ground if necessary. Just a thought. Never used them myself but I've been thinking about buying one.

[Trekker]

Spent a few nights in this setup last year, worked very well, but is a bit cozy when you button it to the ground like shown. The siltarp 3 would give you a bit more room.
http://rs1070.pbsrc.com/albums/u482/tristanmacdonald/Random/C0137124-CBF9-49B5-9527-6360767A0AC1_zpslqal84zp.jpg~320x480
http://rs1070.pbsrc.com/albums/u482/tristanmacdonald/Random/3DFC745F-E162-4F07-8F4A-5F0FD8F5E9A5_zpsx0bpxxyi.jpg~320x480

[Kudu]

Ever consider the Hennessey Hammocks? http://hennessyhammock.com/articles/fishing_and_hunting/ They come with bug screens as optional eqmt. They can also be set up on the ground if necessary. Just a thought. Never used them myself but I've been thinking about buying one.

As long as you are near trees - you won't find a more comfortable bed


http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b535/privateaffair/9244c057eafe7fd97f943c70905aa8cf_zps00c71c27.jpg

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b535/privateaffair/b89a3308301336c9292085ea6b8d6ddb_zpse10b6ab7.jpg

[RiverOtter]

For the hammock crowd, how do you find heat loss from the bottom of your bed when the temps cool off...?

Is a thermarest a practical, or even possible addition to the bottom?

Dig the Sil-tarp pics guys, though it's not making the wait for the alpine to melt out any easier.......:-D

[swampthing]

What size tarp did you use for this setup?

I think that tarp is an 8x10. I don't even know the name of it. Bought it at surplus herbys in Kamloops.

[325]

I just got my Siltarp 2 yesterday. I think it will be plenty roomy since I will be the only one sleeping under it (other than my dog). I'm really looking forward to trying it out.

[Bistchen]

I use my tents footprint as a groundsheet when im just bringing a light tarp up into the Alpine.

It weighs nothing and takes up no space in the pack and best of all it keeps my thermarest clean and dry.